Delhi Air Pollution: Latest Updates on Graded Response Action Plan

As for November 1, 2018, is projected to have adverse weather conditions, which will exacerbate the potential for pollution. Considering the region is already in the Very Poor category in terms of air quality and therefore, all efforts have to be made to ensure that the levels do not rise further.

Based on this forecast and prediction, the Task Force has advised by EPCA that there is a need to bring in additional following measures to combat pollution sous to ensure that levels of pollution can be contained.

Key Facts

Graded Response Action Plan defines the measures to taken based on air quality on the basis of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the air

An emergency will be enforced by Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA).

Under this plan emergency measures will be automatically enforced in NCR if level of PM2.5 breaches 300 micrograms per cubic metre (µgm/m3) and PM10 levels stay above 500 (µgm/m3)for two consecutive days.

The plan recommends measures like odd-even car rationing scheme and ban on construction activities to combat air pollution.

It also lists a number of other measures such as closing brick kilns, stone crushers, hot mix plants and intensifying public transport services and increasing the frequency of mechanised cleaning and sprinkling of water on roads.

For enforcement of the action plan, the Union Government has assigned the task of implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan to the EPCA (Environment Pollution Control Authority) in pursuance of sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986).

The Delhi specific comprehensive action plan was prepared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and was submitted to the Supreme Court in December 2016. The court had accepted the plan and asked the Union Government to notify it.

Particulate Matter (PM) They are tiny particles of dust which can cause very serious respiratory disorders and even damage the lungs.

Following Measures Are Being Taken:-

1.Closure Of Construction Related Activities

All construction activities involving excavation, civil construction (excluding internal finishing/work where no construction material is used) to remain closed In Delhi and other NCR districts from November 1-10, 2018.

2. Big Mix Plants To Remain Shut

All stone crushers, hot mix plants generating dust pollution to remain closed in Delhi and other NCR districts from November 1-10, 2018

3.Major Fuel Industries To Remain close

All industries using coal and biomass as fuel (excluding thermal and Waste to Energy Plants) to remain closed in Delhi and other NCR districts from November 04 Industries that use natural gas as fuel can continue to operate.

4. Heavy Checking To Check Pollution Causing Vehicles

Direct transport department/traffic police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control traffic congestion in Delhi and other NCR districts during November 1-10, 2018 There should be no tolerance for visibly pollution vehicles. This will require stringent monitoring and on-spot fines for visibly polluting vehicles.

5. Exaggerate Night Patrolling By Police

Intensify patrolling, including night patrolling in Industrial areas and other hot spots in the city so that there is complete control on waste burning as well as industrial emissions. EPCA has already brought to your attention that it has found many cases of waste burning and industrial emissions, which is a gross violation of GRAP conditions

6.Massive Efforts To Provide Uninterrupted Power Supply

Intensity efforts for uninterrupted power supply in NCR towns to avoid the requirement of operating DG sets and inconvenience to the public.

7. Request To General Public To Minimize The Use Of Private Vehicle

Publish in newspapers and disseminate widely the following information for the general public:

The need for public to minimize exposure and also advice people to minimize their travel using private vehicles as much as possible.

ii) Enumerate and list all actions that have to be taken under GRAP, so that people are informed and can act as stakeholders in the efforts to control pollution.

iii) Publish list of penalties that have been imposed and actions taken against people/industries found polluting. This information will provide a deterrence and help improve enforcement Let me once again emphasize the need for strict enforcement of actions. This requires ground level monitoring on a continuous basis by respective and designated officials and strict action to ensure compliance You are requested to immediately take steps to ensure compliance of these directions.